Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
